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Re: Photo USAAF Aircraft
Stig. the tail designators can date the photos; Nov. 1937 to May 1940 letters for unit role over a/c number eg. in the photos B-18 marked "BE" over 49 was a/c 49 from the 5th BG (E is 5th letter, B =bomber); A-12 marked "AR" over 54 was a/c 54 from the 18th Attack Sqn. (R = 18th letter). A-12 "KR" over 16 was a/c 16 from the 18th Air Base Sqn., "K" = ABS.
From May 1940 to camouflaging in 1941 a simplified system, ie. a/c number over unit and role; eg. P-26 no.41 over 18PG. in the photo = 18th Pursuit. Date 1940 with full command colours, stripes and Sqn. insignia, and not yet painted.
Some Army planes on Dec.7 were still not camouflaged.
Nick
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